As we start 2022 with high hopes for holding the annual Aaron Lewis Foundation rugby 10s event at Westcliff Rugby Club (WRFC), it seems hard to believe that this will be the 12th time the event has been staged. What started as a memorial celebration for Aaron (a former WRFC player) has become the cornerstone event of an organisation that has been raising funds and helping people in his name since 2009.
Despite the challenges of the last 2 years, the ALF has continued to support causes within Essex and further afield. In doing so, we have encountered incredible, heart touching stories and been able to help people as they overcome illness, injury or adversity. To do this we have relied again on the energy and generosity of individuals, groups and businesses who have taken us into their heart’s and raised funds for this charitable work.
It is not always easy finding the right/appropriate causes to support, and not everyone who comes to us gets direct support as we must be constantly alert to our governing charitable mandate to promote sport, health and wellbeing for any deserving individual or group throughout Essex, and across the UK in support of Veterans or serving military personnel.
However, we are always keen to hear from anyone who could be or knows of a potential beneficiary. All we require is an approach with the outline of the need and then a more detailed follow up with one of the Trustees to enable a collective funding decision. Ideally, we work in direct support of a beneficiary to deliver the need (rather than providing cash to a larger ‘pot’) but we will also work with other charities and donors involved with a case if it allows a larger project to be achieved.
So, if you or someone you know really needs our help, or you would like to find out more about us and be part of this great team of volunteers and fundraisers, please get in touch by e-mail: info@aaronlewisfoundation.org.uk , via the website: www.aaronlewisfoundation.org.uk , social media or in person at the rugby 10s on 9 July – one of the Trustees will always be at the unmissable ALF gazebo for a chat.
Steve Fraser
Trustee